Do HBO Shows Count as Being Groundbreaking? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Adamantium · 08-18-2007, 05:18 PM

I don't think so. People say that "Sex and the City" was groundbreaking, but I don't see how. Because it's on HBO, they don't have all the restrictions that network television has. I think HBO itself is groundbreaking, but the shows on it, would be if they aired on the networks, but because it's HBO, they're not groundbreaking.

What do you think on this topic?

Janice · 08-18-2007, 05:49 PM

Restrictions or not, HBO puts out some of the most creative and original dramas, sitcoms and movies ever. The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Big Love, and Sex And The City -- brilliant and groundbreaking.

Mikado · 08-18-2007, 05:50 PM

If a show is TRULY groundbreaking, it doesnt matter where it airs. I'ts the content that makes for something original, not where the show airs, or doesnt air.

Brian Damage · 08-18-2007, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikado

If a show is TRULY groundbreaking, it doesnt matter where it airs. I'ts the content that makes for something original, not where the show airs, or doesnt air.

Agreed, The Sopranos was a groundbreaking show. It made a little known character actor named James Gandolfini into a multi millionaire. Don't forget 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' another brilliant sitcom from HBO.

Adamantium · 08-18-2007, 09:11 PM

Alright, I understand what you're all saying.

And I want it duly noted that I'm not bashing HBO shows (Curb is in my top ten favorite shows list). I don't have HBO, so I only watch some select shows on DVD.

It's just my feeling has been that when a show "breaks ground" they're breaking it for network television. Taking those restrictions and pushing them a bit. But since HBO has no such restrictions (that I'm aware of) there's nothing to push. But again, that's just how I feel about it.

dawsongirl · 08-18-2007, 11:58 PM

I agree. They probably would either have just been like all the other shows on the regular networks, or they would not aired altogether if not for HBO. Personally, I have seen wonderful drama and great writing and acting come from procedurals on CBS. But no one recognizes them because they have the stigma of being a "procedural."

I ****ing DESPISE that excuse. Open your eyes, bigots.

I've seen Sopranos and Sex and the City. I thought both were horrid. All the swearing did nothing for me on the Sopranos. Ooo, groundbreaking...they can swear. And I thought everyone was a nasty SOB. And Sex and the City...

Annoying harpies. And thanks but no thanks to seeing Kim Cattral's breasts. Overt sexuality does nothing for me. And most of the time it's not in there to move the plot along (I'm speaking in general with that statement, not just SatC).

I'd like to add Showtime's crap heap. I was reading that article in the newest TV Guide about Californication and a new HBO show Tell Me You Love Me, where they show what seems to me to be a level above soft core porn. And for what? How does showing us body parts and a bunch of the actual act make the plot any better than if you just teased us and let the viewer's imaginations run wild? You'll never convince me it does. Never.

Ok, off my

And I'm sure I'll get flamed.

Brian Damage · 08-19-2007, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawsongirl

I agree. They probably would either have just been like all the other shows on the regular networks, or they would not aired altogether if not for HBO. Personally, I have seen wonderful drama and great writing and acting come from procedurals on CBS. But no one recognizes them because they have the stigma of being a "procedural."

I ****ing DESPISE that excuse. Open your eyes, bigots.

I've seen Sopranos and Sex and the City. I thought both were horrid. All the swearing did nothing for me on the Sopranos. Ooo, groundbreaking...they can swear. And I thought everyone was a nasty SOB. And Sex and the City...

Annoying harpies. And thanks but no thanks to seeing Kim Cattral's breasts. Overt sexuality does nothing for me. And most of the time it's not in there to move the plot along (I'm speaking in general with that statement, not just SatC).

I'd like to add Showtime's crap heap. I was reading that article in the newest TV Guide about Californication and a new HBO show Tell Me You Love Me, where they show what seems to me to be a level above soft core porn. And for what? How does showing us body parts and a bunch of the actual act make the plot any better than if you just teased us and let the viewer's imaginations run wild? You'll never convince me it does. Never.

Ok, off my

And I'm sure I'll get flamed.

Gee, tell us how you really feel!

That's ok, you are entitled to your opinion.

I still say that HBO has some good quality programs.

dawsongirl · 08-19-2007, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

Gee, tell us how you really feel!

That's ok, you are entitled to your opinion.

I still say that HBO has some good quality programs.

ok I will! lol

Yeah, I don't care what people watch. That's why there's variety; something for every taste.

TJL · 08-19-2007, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adamantium

Alright, I understand what you're all saying.

And I want it duly noted that I'm not bashing HBO shows (Curb is in my top ten favorite shows list). I don't have HBO, so I only watch some select shows on DVD.

It's just my feeling has been that when a show "breaks ground" they're breaking it for network television. Taking those restrictions and pushing them a bit. But since HBO has no such restrictions (that I'm aware of) there's nothing to push. But again, that's just how I feel about it.

I agree with you. HBO does have a slight advantage over regular TV. They can push things further.

I do think that HBO does go overboard with the "groundbreaking" talk. Not all of thier shows are gems, and like the networks, they've had a few clunkers.

"John From Cincinnati" is the most recent example.

Mr. Television · 08-19-2007, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJL

I agree with you. HBO does have a slight advantage over regular TV. They can push things further.

I do think that HBO does go overboard with the "groundbreaking" talk. Not all of thier shows are gems, and like the networks, they've had a few clunkers.

"John From Cincinnati" is the most recent example.

John From Cincinnati sucked. I can't believe they canceled Deadwood for that.

hno:

Janice · 08-19-2007, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJL

I agree with you. HBO does have a slight advantage over regular TV. They can push things further.

I do think that HBO does go overboard with the "groundbreaking" talk. Not all of thier shows are gems, and like the networks, they've had a few clunkers.

"John From Cincinnati" is the most recent example.

They've had plenty of clunkers, and quite a few gems.

JT · 08-19-2007, 06:00 PM

I sorta agree with Adam. It's easy for a show to be called "groundbreaking" when it's on a channel that regularly airs softcore porn every Thursday night. If HBO and Showtime weren't channels that have been airing uncut, unedited motion pictures with nudity, profanity, violence, etc, for the last 30 years, well then those shows could be called "groundbreaking." Hell, when you think about it, they're just serialized movies. The only thing groundbreaking about them is that they actually are TV series and not movies.

For the record, I'm not really a fan of those shows anyway. "The Sopranos" is dull, boring garbage unless you are actually interested in it. "Sex and the City" is good, but only in small doses. "Oz" and "Six Feet Under" were actually enjoyable shows, but SFU got really old, really fast. Don't even ask me why anybody even cares about "Entourage." It sucks. I liked the little that I've seen of "Queer as Folk."

Mikado · 08-19-2007, 06:22 PM

To be honest, I do think many of these shows were indeed groundbreaking, on the other hand, I dont really think that necessarily meant that they were any good!

factsoflife · 08-20-2007, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adamantium

I don't think so. People say that "Sex and the City" was groundbreaking, but I don't see how. Because it's on HBO, they don't have all the restrictions that network television has. I think HBO itself is groundbreaking, but the shows on it, would be if they aired on the networks, but because it's HBO, they're not groundbreaking.

What do you think on this topic?

in the case of SATC i find it equally silly that it's considered ground-breaking when shows like "The Golden Girls", "Ally McBeal" and "Ellen" all featured female characters discussing their love lifes before that show ever aired...

wkomorow · 08-20-2007, 09:44 PM

Both Showtime and HBO have had their share of groundbreaking shows - as has network TV. Not every show on premium tv is groundbreaking. I don't see Sex in the City as groundbreaking. But there have been a number of groundbreaking show are Showtime - Brothers, QAF, It's Garry Shandling, Stargate SG1. HBO had its Deadwood, Sopranos, Oz.

08-18-2007, 05:18 PM	#1
Adamantium TVAdam No More Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 11, 2002 Location: Springfield, Ohio Posts: 7,838	Do HBO Shows Count as Being Groundbreaking? I don't think so. People say that "Sex and the City" was groundbreaking, but I don't see how. Because it's on HBO, they don't have all the restrictions that network television has. I think HBO itself is groundbreaking, but the shows on it, would be if they aired on the networks, but because it's HBO, they're not groundbreaking. What do you think on this topic?

08-19-2007, 06:00 PM	#12
JT Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 29, 2001 Location: USA Posts: 7,223	I sorta agree with Adam. It's easy for a show to be called "groundbreaking" when it's on a channel that regularly airs softcore porn every Thursday night. If HBO and Showtime weren't channels that have been airing uncut, unedited motion pictures with nudity, profanity, violence, etc, for the last 30 years, well then those shows could be called "groundbreaking." Hell, when you think about it, they're just serialized movies. The only thing groundbreaking about them is that they actually are TV series and not movies. For the record, I'm not really a fan of those shows anyway. "The Sopranos" is dull, boring garbage unless you are actually interested in it. "Sex and the City" is good, but only in small doses. "Oz" and "Six Feet Under" were actually enjoyable shows, but SFU got really old, really fast. Don't even ask me why anybody even cares about "Entourage." It sucks. I liked the little that I've seen of "Queer as Folk."
	__________________ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrEbJBFWIPk

08-18-2007, 05:49 PM	#2
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Restrictions or not, HBO puts out some of the most creative and original dramas, sitcoms and movies ever. The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Big Love, and Sex And The City -- brilliant and groundbreaking.

08-18-2007, 05:50 PM	#3
Mikado Main st bridge Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 06, 2005 Posts: 25,892	If a show is TRULY groundbreaking, it doesnt matter where it airs. I'ts the content that makes for something original, not where the show airs, or doesnt air.

08-18-2007, 09:11 PM	#5
Adamantium TVAdam No More Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 11, 2002 Location: Springfield, Ohio Posts: 7,838	Alright, I understand what you're all saying. And I want it duly noted that I'm not bashing HBO shows (Curb is in my top ten favorite shows list). I don't have HBO, so I only watch some select shows on DVD. It's just my feeling has been that when a show "breaks ground" they're breaking it for network television. Taking those restrictions and pushing them a bit. But since HBO has no such restrictions (that I'm aware of) there's nothing to push. But again, that's just how I feel about it.

08-18-2007, 11:58 PM	#6
dawsongirl Member Forum Icon Join Date: Jan 04, 2001 Posts: 53,140	I agree. They probably would either have just been like all the other shows on the regular networks, or they would not aired altogether if not for HBO. Personally, I have seen wonderful drama and great writing and acting come from procedurals on CBS. But no one recognizes them because they have the stigma of being a "procedural." I ****ing DESPISE that excuse. Open your eyes, bigots. I've seen Sopranos and Sex and the City. I thought both were horrid. All the swearing did nothing for me on the Sopranos. Ooo, groundbreaking...they can swear. And I thought everyone was a nasty SOB. And Sex and the City... Annoying harpies. And thanks but no thanks to seeing Kim Cattral's breasts. Overt sexuality does nothing for me. And most of the time it's not in there to move the plot along (I'm speaking in general with that statement, not just SatC). I'd like to add Showtime's crap heap. I was reading that article in the newest TV Guide about Californication and a new HBO show Tell Me You Love Me, where they show what seems to me to be a level above soft core porn. And for what? How does showing us body parts and a bunch of the actual act make the plot any better than if you just teased us and let the viewer's imaginations run wild? You'll never convince me it does. Never. Ok, off my And I'm sure I'll get flamed.

08-19-2007, 06:22 PM	#13
Mikado Main st bridge Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 06, 2005 Posts: 25,892	To be honest, I do think many of these shows were indeed groundbreaking, on the other hand, I dont really think that necessarily meant that they were any good!

08-20-2007, 09:44 PM	#15
wkomorow Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Nov 24, 2005 Posts: 227	Both Showtime and HBO have had their share of groundbreaking shows - as has network TV. Not every show on premium tv is groundbreaking. I don't see Sex in the City as groundbreaking. But there have been a number of groundbreaking show are Showtime - Brothers, QAF, It's Garry Shandling, Stargate SG1. HBO had its Deadwood, Sopranos, Oz.